Global Policy Cohort

Fall Semester

• Global Pathways (3 credit): This course will explore the intersection of academic research and public policy to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. As an introductory part of the Global Scholars Program, this course will also set the foundation for a year-long discovery and exploration of theoretical frameworks and important issues related to decision-making in foreign policy.  Decision making in foreign policy does not occur in a vacuum. Rather, it results from an interplay of elected officials, bureaucrats, political parties, interest groups, the media, voters, and foreign actors. 
• *Decision Making in Foreign Policy (3 credits): This course explores how foreign policy is made and implemented in Washington, D.C. We will analyze the factors that shape policy choices and their execution/enforcement across a range of issue areas and institutions at the national level. This three credit course will build on the one credit fall global pathways course. 

*This course occurs in January over students' Winter Break, but falls on students' fall transcript

Spring Semester

• Principal Agent Theory & International Organizations (3 credits, COLL 300): This course explores how policy decisions are made and implemented in international organizations. We will analyze the factors that shape policy choices and their execution/enforcement across a range of issue areas and institutions at the international level. The three-credit course will build on the Global Pathways course and the 3 credit DC winter institute course.  

Summer Semester

• Internship Course (6 credits): one of three internship options: 
  • Washington, D.C. 
  • International 
  • E-internship

Pre-requisites/Co-requisites

To ensure all students have a common baseline, you will also need to have taken - or be concurrently enrolled during the program - in at least one of the following courses in “Core” and at least one of the following in “Methods.” 

*Other Core/Methods classes outside of the above list will be considered upon request. 

Core (either prior to program start or concurrently enrolled during fall semester)

• GOV 204 Introduction to International Politics
• PUBP 201 Introduction to Public Policy
• ENSP 101 Introduction to Environmental Science and Policy
• INRL 300 International Relations in Disciplinary Perspectives
• SOCL 205 Global Social Problems
• SOCL 313 Globalization and International Development

Methods (either prior to program start or concurrently enrolled during spring semester)

• DATA 146 Intro to Data Science 
• CSCI 140 Programming for Data Science
• CSCI 141 Computational Problem Solving
• GIS 201 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis
• Any social sciences methods course
• Any statistics course

Graduating Seniors

As a graduating senior, you have two options for the summer internship course:

1. August diploma:
   • Use the Registrar's Notice of Candidacy for Graduation form (pdf) to indicate that you will receive your diploma in August instead of May.
   • Walk through the graduation ceremony in May.
   • Successfully complete the Global Scholars Program internship course.
   • Receive your diploma in August.
2. Post Baccalaureate Status:
   • Use the Registrar's Non-Degree Seeking (pdf) form to indicate that you plan to take W&M courses after graduation.
   • Use the Registrar's Notice of Candidacy for Graduation (pdf) form to indicate that you will receive your diploma in May.
   • Walk through the graduation ceremony in May and receive your diploma.
   • Successfully complete the Global Scholars Program course.
   • Financial aid does not apply in this scenario.
   • (Find more detailed instructions)